IN YOUR OPINION

Letters to the Editor for July 2, 2013

Published: Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at 6:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, July 1, 2013 at 7:42 p.m.

Why education needs to be fully funded

This afternoon I was sitting in the waiting room of a local chiropractor when my name was called with a little more enthusiasm than I would expect in a doctor's office. As I turned, a former student of mine was there to escort me back to the examination room and asked me the normal pre-checkup questions. As our conversation continued, I learned that she had completed an internship during her senior year as part of her health occupations class. Because of her experience during her internship, she was hired after graduation, is currently attending CF, and plans to transfer to UCF next spring.

This chance encounter has left me with a question — after graduating with her bachelor's degree, establishing her career, and settling down and starting a family, where will she choose to settle? A state and county that refuses to increase funding for education year after year, or one that does?

As someone who has called this county home for 37 years, I would like to know from those that move here to avoid the excessive taxes of the North: Why do you consistently vote against OUR children? Do you not realize these are your future service providers? If we do not attract young professionals to remain here, as well as we do retirees, what level of care will you be receiving?

This is something that everyone in this county needs to remember the next time they vote against increased funding for education. Every time you vote “no” for education you are voting against someone who one day may be drawing your blood, cleaning your teeth, or even wiping your backside.

As many people have said over the last couple of weeks — you get what you pay for.

Scott Provost

Ocala

Respect and courtesy

An incident occurred during Tuesday's School Board meeting (June 25), which demands public attention. During the public input portion, Lynne Colley, a Golden Apple teacher from Vanguard High School, expressed her disappointment in the board's vision and leadership in failing to foresee and avert the current budget crisis. Following her comments, board Chairman Ron Crawford harangued Colley, berating her for her lack of understanding of school finances. Although I was not present at the meeting, I have listened to an audio recording of the exchange and have the following comments:

First, Colley was correct, and Crawford was in error, regarding the board's responsibility for the current fiscal crisis. Yes, the superintendent proposes the budget, but it is the board's responsibility to review that proposal, make such adjustments it deems necessary or appropriate, and adopt the final budget. This authority and responsibility is clearly provided for in the Florida Constitution and Florida statutes. Anyone with Crawford's tenure on the board should know that, had it not been for several extraordinary items, we would have been operating at a deficit the last several years. The extraordinary items include the 2009 stimulus bill, which provided additional operating funds for two years, and depletion of the district reserves during the last two years. Colley expressed her disappointment that the board did not anticipate the current crisis and take appropriate action, which could have included, for example, support for the local tax referendum last November.

Next, the tone and manner of Crawford's response was inappropriate. He is an elected public servant — it is his responsibility to listen carefully, politely and with an open mind to suggestions and comments made by his constituents.

Finally, this incident is a symptom of a much larger problem. Substantive improvement in our schools will require a professional corps of teachers — teachers who view themselves as professionals, and act accordingly, and who are respected and treated as professionals. There are many facets to this issue, and there is no magic bullet, but if we hope to attract and retain qualified, professional teachers to Marion County, we can start by treating them with the respect and courtesy they deserve.

Douglas “Buddy” Oswald

Ocala

Grateful to EMS

Flat on her back with a dislocated shoulder, my wife's pain went way past 10 and her ability to move was almost zero. Patience, thoughtfulness and a cooperative spirit by the EMS unit 521, Colby Murty and Brian Troup, helped my wife through a painful event and got her on the road to recovery. Their assistance allowed her to regain mobility and sit up which allowed her to reset her shoulder. We all know the EMS men and women are heroes at times of traffic accidents, heart attacks and life-threatening events. However they are also heroes in citizen assist events, and my wife and I are truly grateful. Thank you gentlemen, and thank you to all who handle the phones, do the paperwork and the behind the scenes activities that makes this service available.

Mark Croft

Ocala

Sheriff's budget fix

Maybe Sheriff Blair could help resolve his money problems by getting the radar units back out on State Road 200 west of I-75. Cars routinely drive at 60 mph or faster any time of the day, weaving in and out of lanes and generally creating a safety issue. Let's face it; it is highly unlikely we will ever get those that drive in the left lane to move over unless passing or making a left turn. So let's start writing speeding tickets and generate some income for the Sheriff's Department. While at it, get traffic light cameras up and running. That's another revenue producer for violators.

Who knows? These efforts could result in safer roads, the prevention of accidents and injuries, and bring some needed money to the Sheriff's Department.

<p><b>Why education needs to be fully funded</b></p><p>This afternoon I was sitting in the waiting room of a local chiropractor when my name was called with a little more enthusiasm than I would expect in a doctor's office. As I turned, a former student of mine was there to escort me back to the examination room and asked me the normal pre-checkup questions. As our conversation continued, I learned that she had completed an internship during her senior year as part of her health occupations class. Because of her experience during her internship, she was hired after graduation, is currently attending CF, and plans to transfer to UCF next spring.</p><p>This chance encounter has left me with a question — after graduating with her bachelor's degree, establishing her career, and settling down and starting a family, where will she choose to settle? A state and county that refuses to increase funding for education year after year, or one that does?</p><p>As someone who has called this county home for 37 years, I would like to know from those that move here to avoid the excessive taxes of the North: Why do you consistently vote against OUR children? Do you not realize these are your future service providers? If we do not attract young professionals to remain here, as well as we do retirees, what level of care will you be receiving?</p><p>This is something that everyone in this county needs to remember the next time they vote against increased funding for education. Every time you vote “no” for education you are voting against someone who one day may be drawing your blood, cleaning your teeth, or even wiping your backside.</p><p>As many people have said over the last couple of weeks — you get what you pay for.</p><p><i>Scott Provost</p><p>Ocala</i></p><p><b>Respect and courtesy</b></p><p>An incident occurred during Tuesday's School Board meeting (June 25), which demands public attention. During the public input portion, Lynne Colley, a Golden Apple teacher from Vanguard High School, expressed her disappointment in the board's vision and leadership in failing to foresee and avert the current budget crisis. Following her comments, board Chairman Ron Crawford harangued Colley, berating her for her lack of understanding of school finances. Although I was not present at the meeting, I have listened to an audio recording of the exchange and have the following comments:</p><p>First, Colley was correct, and Crawford was in error, regarding the board's responsibility for the current fiscal crisis. Yes, the superintendent proposes the budget, but it is the board's responsibility to review that proposal, make such adjustments it deems necessary or appropriate, and adopt the final budget. This authority and responsibility is clearly provided for in the Florida Constitution and Florida statutes. Anyone with Crawford's tenure on the board should know that, had it not been for several extraordinary items, we would have been operating at a deficit the last several years. The extraordinary items include the 2009 stimulus bill, which provided additional operating funds for two years, and depletion of the district reserves during the last two years. Colley expressed her disappointment that the board did not anticipate the current crisis and take appropriate action, which could have included, for example, support for the local tax referendum last November.</p><p>Next, the tone and manner of Crawford's response was inappropriate. He is an elected public servant — it is his responsibility to listen carefully, politely and with an open mind to suggestions and comments made by his constituents.</p><p>Finally, this incident is a symptom of a much larger problem. Substantive improvement in our schools will require a professional corps of teachers — teachers who view themselves as professionals, and act accordingly, and who are respected and treated as professionals. There are many facets to this issue, and there is no magic bullet, but if we hope to attract and retain qualified, professional teachers to Marion County, we can start by treating them with the respect and courtesy they deserve.</p><p><i>Douglas “Buddy” Oswald</p><p>Ocala</i></p><p><b>Grateful to EMS</b></p><p>Flat on her back with a dislocated shoulder, my wife's pain went way past 10 and her ability to move was almost zero. Patience, thoughtfulness and a cooperative spirit by the EMS unit 521, Colby Murty and Brian Troup, helped my wife through a painful event and got her on the road to recovery. Their assistance allowed her to regain mobility and sit up which allowed her to reset her shoulder. We all know the EMS men and women are heroes at times of traffic accidents, heart attacks and life-threatening events. However they are also heroes in citizen assist events, and my wife and I are truly grateful. Thank you gentlemen, and thank you to all who handle the phones, do the paperwork and the behind the scenes activities that makes this service available. </p><p><i>Mark Croft</p><p>Ocala</i></p><p><b>Sheriff's budget fix</b></p><p>Maybe Sheriff Blair could help resolve his money problems by getting the radar units back out on State Road 200 west of I-75. Cars routinely drive at 60 mph or faster any time of the day, weaving in and out of lanes and generally creating a safety issue. Let's face it; it is highly unlikely we will ever get those that drive in the left lane to move over unless passing or making a left turn. So let's start writing speeding tickets and generate some income for the Sheriff's Department. While at it, get traffic light cameras up and running. That's another revenue producer for violators. </p><p>Who knows? These efforts could result in safer roads, the prevention of accidents and injuries, and bring some needed money to the Sheriff's Department.</p><p><i>James Harris</p><p>Ocala</i></p>